Though nothing's ever a cinch with coaches, especially those with NFL ties, I wouldn't freak out just yet over Bill O'Brien bolting for The League. Factors to consider, both pro and con:

Just because O'Brien would not deny interest when questioned on Tuesday doesn't mean much. Major-college and pro coaches have it drilled into their heads by agents to never say they won't consider a job. In a business that's as cutthroat as it gets, you always are taught to keep doors ajar. Sooner or later, it becomes reflexive to say, “I'm flattered to be considered,” rather than “I'm not going anywhere.” Even when you know you're probably not going anywhere.

The buyout of the remaining years on O'Brien's initial contract – not the one re-upped one restructured after NCAA sanctions – would still cost any NFL suitor $9.2 million. I've been told that remains the buyout price. Not prohibitive for anyone truly interested. But still a healthy chunk. That's the sort of thing an NFL GM does when he has his mind made up, not when he's window shopping for candidates. O'Brien would have to be a clear favorite on someone's list. That's long from happening.

Would it look bad for a guy who preached "commitment" to leave after one year? Sure. Petrino-like. But it would be rationalized.

First, the NFL really doesn't care about such moral window dressing. It's a bottom-line business stripped of pretense. Sort of like driving in New York City. Everyone knows the rules are that there are no rules.

Second, O'Brien can say he didn't know what he was signing up for. Remember, nobody really thought the NCAA would hand down such severe sanctions – or maybe any sanctions at all – when O'Brien was hired in January. This was half a year before the Freeh report release and before anyone could have known Mark Emmert would seek a fast track through the executive board, bypassing all the usual Infractions Committee process.

Anyway, a lot of dots must be connected before this picture comes together. And nothing much can possibly happen at the moment. So, it's pointless to fret. Yet.